Thursday, April 6, 2017

We recently had a chance to review Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer ($15.99) by Peggy Miracle Consolver and published by Peggy Consolver - Author. Peggy Consolver is a wife, mother and teacher of God's Word. She has experienced visiting the lands spoken of in the bible and also been involved in archeological digs. She has been able to take all of these adventures and help others to dig deeper into the Bible and be able to really visualize what it was like and bring it to life.

Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer is a soft-cover book that covers the story of the Gibeonites from Joshua chapters 9 & 10. I will admit that one of my biggest problems with reading the Hebrew scriptures is keeping track of names and who they are. I'm horrible at this (I'm just terrible at names period...lol). At the front of the book, Peggy Consolver has also included a Characters and Relationships information. So instead of my notebook paper I need to keep next to me, I was easily able to refer back these pages when I could not remember a name. She has also included 10 discussion questions in the back of the book for small group study.

Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer is the story of a young shepherd boy. His name is Keshub. It is in the days of when the Hebrews were coming out of the wilderness and start to claim land that God had given to them. Keshub's family begin to spy on the Hebrews, to protect themselves. Will the family be spared?

This work of historical fiction allows this period of the Bible to shine as you follow the adventures of Keshub, his family and friends. We were able to see a new faith emerge and also the power of God. Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer takes you on an adventure unlike what you may have read before. You are truly reading the Bible in a story-like form.

As I was reading this story, Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer is definitely for those with a higher comprehension level, unless you are reading it together. Independent reading level, I would suggest late middle school through high school level. There are many details included. Younger readers would definitely struggle, but it would make a great family read-together for Bible study time.

But she also has provided study guide links on her website. Research links and videos that are included in this will help all ages to gain a deeper understanding of this time period.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review the Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer. Click on the banner below to see how they used the historical fiction in their homes.